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So my dad won a Nikon D40 at a work function.  For those who are camera-savvy, do you know if this is a good camera and what some of the possibilities are with it, or is it just junk?  I know nothing about cameras, but it could come in handy for some nice car pics if I ever figure out how to use it.

I have the D40x 10.2 effective megapixel and I love it because of it's size and user friendlyness.  The D40's 6.1-megapixel is the only down side but camera was free!  You can't beat that.  

It's not junk... It is the perfect entry level DSLR camera to start with… Put you shit on Auto/No flash and rock on… Manual is some shit to get use too but with time you will learn its setting, etc.

To do HDR they are no good because you would have to physically change the exposure settings and doing that will move your shoot.  You can always try…


look at the images;
(http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/1/l_8c00d98739954ba4b066451cdf4cbacc.jpg)

I have heard nothing but, good things about the D40

I have heard it is pretty good, but there is a major downside in my opinion. There is no internal focus drive motor meaning every lens that you buy must have a motor making them more expensive than the camera in this case. But it is also free soooo I'd take it.

since it's free why worry.. but the d40 is the base model for nikon dslr's.. good for beginner use if you're just trying to figure out how dslr cameras work.  I would recommend upgrading to a better body if you get really into photography, but for basic purposes it's fine.

like everyone said, the D40 is a nice entry level slr. I own one and it fits my needs.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v432/illushunz/May29186.png)

Entry level is good than because that's where I'm at with cameras.  I don't even know what dslr means.

digital single-lens reflex

I have a D40 and I'm still learning with it.  It's a good starter camera for guys like us that don't know much.

I might add this one to the list of considerations for Ashley. She's been wanting a dslr for a while now and I was tryin to figure out the difference between the Nikon line besides price. I was even considering snagging the D80 that's for sale on v6p but if the 40 is good for entry level and my pocket then I'll probably end up with that.

The other thing I know dick about is lenses. All I've heard is that usually the lenses that come with the camera are either crap or ok but most people upgrade quick.  We should have a photography equipment thread if there already isnt one. Cuz obviously I'd want to buy a good lense to go with it from the jump.

D, the D80 is what i have.. well worth the price its going for on v6p.. depending on condition ofcourse.

I have the D40 and I love it, its really easy to use and learn on. Although I do wish I bought the D40x because of the megapixels and its the same body.

Derrick on the lenses the package deals usually come with a 18-55mm lens, and i also have a 55-200mm lens for it. I would recommend getting the 18-200mm lens instead though because there's a lot of times when i'm taking pictures and i'm in between and it gets to be a pain to have to switch lenses back and fourth. And if you do want to use the auto focus your lens selection gets narrowed down a lot because of the drive motors. After you get used to the camera you'll learn to like the manual focus better on still images anyways, just because you have more control.

These were taken with my D40 and the 18-55mm lens that came with the camera
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn429/slammedk24/DSC_0140.jpg)
(http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn429/slammedk24/DSC_0363.jpg)

the d40 is a great camera, I recommend getting a good tripod, a uv filter and you're golden.

I've got the D80 and previously had the d40x and the d40 is in fact an excellent entry level DSLR.

Good luck and enjoy your new hobby/addiction.

Tory, is that a downed telephone pole in the background of your second pic?

+1 with what Arie mentioned for equipment. id also suggest getting a polarizer lense. its good to get the reflections out of windows. and if your into night photography, get a remote so you dont have to worry about blurry pics or waiting 10sec for the timer to go off.

no, it's actually the end of the trailer to hook up to a garden tractor

The remote is definitly worth it, especially since it costs less than $15.

Shit you can even get great HDR images from a D40 or D40x
(http://api.ning.com/files/LDauXXMXeB31sEO-w*3S6Z8zmxG5wXmSb6Jlu2HhjIcQOp2J2tLqnKjifeveKQj4/XBHDR.jpg?width=737&height=493)

I just started messing around and still am using a free version of photomatix